The axi_pat_check module provides a simple
sanity check that the data is being received correctly. It uses the
same parameters as the axi_pat_gen
module and therefore expects the same frame contents and frame size
increments. Because the Frame data can or cannot have the DA and SA
swapped the pattern checker allows either value to be in either
location.
When enabled, using a dedicated input which uses a board DIP switch, the output from the RX_FIFO is monitored. The first step is to identify where in the frame sequence the data is, this is done by capturing the value in the type/length field. After this is done, the following frame is expected to be incrementally bigger (unless you happen to be at the wrap point). If an error is detected an error is raised on the byte or bytes which mismatch and the error condition is latched and output to a dedicated output, this is displayed using a board LED. The pattern checker state machine then re-synchronizes to the data. A dedicated input, connected to one of the push buttons, is used to clear this latched error state, enabling a feel for the frequency of errors (if any).
The pattern checker also provides a simple activity monitor. This toggles a dedicated output, which flashes a board LED, to indicate that RX Data is being received correctly. This ensures that the lack of a detected error is not due to all frames being dropped.